Louis Theroux’s ‘Inside the Manosphere’ Netflix documentary

We’ve long appreciated Louis Theroux’s work, but his latest documentary raises a difficult question: did it end up offering a platform for controversial figures to amplify their notoriety, build “clout” & openly profit from misogyny?

Amid lingering shots of luxury cars, designer watches & tailored suits, the documentary revealed a strain of fragile masculinity… one that seemed deeply uncomfortable with scrutiny or challenge. It also gave airtime to attitudes that went far beyond provocative: comments that appeared to normalise sexual violence, glaring hypocrisy from men who condemn OnlyFans creators while simultaneously profiting from them & most troublingly, a pattern of overtly misogynistic views.

The “manosphere” is not confined to online spaces. Its influence is increasingly visible in the real world, shaping how some men see themselves & treat women. Driven by algorithms, many young men are turning to these creators for guidance on masculinity- often absorbing messages rooted in dominance, rigid gender roles & at times, abuse.

What felt missing, however, was a deeper exploration of how young men might be supported to question & unlearn these narratives. The documentary stopped short of addressing the need for education, accountability & healthier models of masculinity.

Women’s presence in the film was notably limited. When they did appear, it was often in reductive roles: as sexualised, objectified figures, as participants being humiliated on platforms like the ‘Fresh & Fit’ podcast, or as partners whose voices were overshadowed - frequently interrupted, dismissed, or directed off-camera by the men beside them.

Equally striking was the absence of any meaningful discussion about the real-world consequences for women. There was little acknowledgment of the broader context: the experiences of women who face harassment, violence, abuse & even death at the hands of men.

By focusing so tightly on the digital ecosystem of the “manosphere,” the documentary risked losing sight of the lived realities beyond the screen for women… where the impact of these ideologies is not theoretical, but deeply & often painfully real for women.